Universe X #6

Background

Isaac Christians has been chronicling the prophesies of Kyle Richmond. Viewing
the past, present, and future, the two work to record the events transpiring
three years after the lighting of the first Human Torch which so far include the
resurrection of the Invisible Woman and the journey of Captain America and the
newly reborn Captain Mar-Vell to collect various artefacts of the Marvel
Universe.

A group of individuals known as the Tong of Creel has assembled to collect the
pieces of Absorbing Man (Crusher Creel) in order to rebuild the villain who had
been shattered by Vision several years ago. Belasco has also been inadvertently
awakened by Captain America and sent back in time from his prison in limbo.
Immortus's church falls and Loki begins to make a move against the Asgardians.

While trying to retrieve a dimensional doorway, another one of the items that
humanity might use against itself, Captain America is killed leaving Mar-Vell to
continue his with a group of other heroes championing Cap's last cause. The
Tong of Creel grows closer and closer to rebuilding Absorbing Man and Machine
Man has unearthed the Supreme Intelligence on the moon.

Story Details

A recap of Moon Knight's origin is given and how a Vibranium meteor is what
created the god Khonshu. Moon Knight has been cursed as a man unable pass to
the world of the dead, living up to the name Spector.

Isaac's ability to feel has been restored and as he celebrates Kyle tells him
that he's aware that he has betrayed him to Mr. Church. He tells Isaac of how
the Tong of Creel, pretending to be Immortus' army, is attacking Latveria for
the last piece of Creel, using Dr. Doom's time machine to find it.

In Canada, Sasquatch and what's left of Guardian are all that remain of Alpha
Flight. As they run from a pack of Wendigo, they are confronted by beasts that
look a lot like Wolverine.

In Egypt Mar-Vell and the heroes arrive to find Moon Knight fighting an endless
battles against the Sons of Set, neither being able to pass on to the other
side. Mar-Vell claims the Re-Animator stone allowing them all to leave their
long dead bodies. Upon Mar-Vell's return to Japan, he is presented with the
Mandarin's rings.

In the land of the dead, Thanos uses Death's army to scare the heroes who are
aware of their deaths into fearing for their lives, tricking them into thinking
they still live. Moon Knight arrives to aid Mar-Vell's group as Nova returns to
tell him that they are unable to find the Kree people. Mar-Vell decides to ask
the Supreme Intelligence why none of his people are in the land of the dead.

As he begins to mutate, Immortus claws at the peeling skin on his face and his
mind slowly begins to fade. He requests that Mr. Church take over his duties of
leading his followers.

General Comments

It seems every series I write a review for has some sort of link to Alpha
Flight. Although with a series like this, any team or character was bound to
show up eventually.

Isaac's betrayal is finally discussed openly and the story continues to evolve
at a steady pace. While the Tong of Creel surely could have done more than
simply assault Latveria, it leaves something to look forward to in the next
issue.

The perspective of Moon Knight and his powers seems quite fitting. His
appearance also isn't squandered as his place in the land of the dead is much
more fitting. The two concurrent brawls in that place seem to create a sense of
irony as you're usually expected to rest in peace. It makes one wonder as to
what the nature of that place really is, and if it truly is be where the dead
go, why are there only super heroes there? And if the Kree people should be
there for some reason, why not human beings? I look forward to learning the
answers in the coming issues.

Overall Rating

It's getting harder and harder to review this title as I often find myself a
little unsure of what's going on or where it's going. That doesn't mean I'm not
enjoying the ride though.